Handheld device hinge with elastomer urging element

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention include a portable device hinge having an elastomer urging element that is used to supply the necessary force for controlled rotation of a main part and a flip part. Embodiments of the invention include low part count hinges. Embodiments of the invention also include hinges that permit pass-through of wiring between a flip part and a main part. A handset of the invention includes a flip part and a main part with one or more hinges of the invention controlling rotation between the flip part and the main part. Preferred embodiment handsets have wiring that passes though the can and the elastomer urging element of a hinge of the invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A field of the invention is handheld devices, e.g., personal digitalassistants and handsets. The invention particularly concerns handhelddevices including a hinged connection, e.g., flip style devices.

BACKGROUND

Hinged connected handheld devices provide many advantages and arepopular. Taking the example of flip style devices, the flip style is avery popular form for handsets and personal digital assistants.Generally, in flip style devices, one part may be considered a main partand the other part a flip part. A hinged connection provides controlledrelative movement between the flip part and the main part.

Flip style devices are very popular because they form a convenientshape, and the flip style devices have proven to be aestheticallypleasing to a large segment of the consumer market. When closed, theflip style devices provide a small device footprint, making the storageof the device in a pocket, on a clip, in a holder, in a briefcase, in apurse, or a drawer, etc., very convenient.

A hinge used to form a hinged connection in a handheld device, such as aflip-style device, is in a very demanding environment. Operationalcycles are high frequency, meaning that users of flip-style and otherhinged handheld devices open and close the device frequently. In theexample of a flip phone, a user commonly opens and closes the devicewith each use of the device. The hinge in a flip-style device must alsoprovide a smooth and controlled operation, and should be biased toremain in respective open and closed positions. There is considerableinterest, however, in keeping the hinge simple and as inexpensive aspossible. The handheld device market is extremely competitive, andcomponent expenses must be kept as low as possible.

From a manufacturer's perspective, the opportunity provided by one ofthe parts of a flip style handheld device is often inefficiently used.The size of the devices makes the real estate available for electronicsprecious, and yet one or the other of the flip part and the main part isoften kept simple. An example is a flip part that is only a keyboard.Another example is a flip part that only includes a display. One of thereasons for the simplicity of a typical flip part compared to a mainpart of a handheld device is the barrier presented by the hingedconnection. The springs, cams, follower, can, device interface, lockingclips, and other components of a typical hinge present a physicalbarrier to wiring. Wiring must be routed around the hinge and placed ina manner such that the open and close operation does not pull on thewiring. The limited number of connections available has often limitedthe electronic communication channels between the system electronics,e.g., processor and memories, of a main part (where they are typicallyhoused) and the electronics in the flip part, e.g., displays, keyboards.An unattractive alternative is including another system, e.g., aprocessor and memory, in the flip part. The increased cost andinefficiency of that alternative is clear, and yet there is pressure todo so as the functionality of the flip style devices continues to drivethe creation of increasingly complex handheld devices, which now performfunctions such as capturing images and videos.

Efforts have therefore been made to route both discrete wires and flexconnections circuitously around hinge components. However, the hinge isrelatively small and only a limited number of cables or wires can beaccommodated. A further problem is the difficulty of predicting andtesting the life of a highly flexed cable assembly which is repeatedlytwisted in this manner. These approaches limit the number and type ofelectronics that can be placed in the flip part. Another approach is touse contact sets instead of wires. Contacts still are limited in area bythe hinge assembly, though. In addition, contacts may suffer performanceproblems because alignment becomes an issue. If contacts on a main partbecome misaligned with a flip part, for example, an adequate electricconnection may not be obtained.

Other issues related to hinged connections and portable devices includepart count and assembly issues. Low part currents are desirable formanufacturing efficiencies and to reduce costs. It is also desirablethat a hinge for a hinged portable device such as a flip-style handsetbe self-contained and pre-assembled. This aids in the manufacturing ofthe handset, and also permits manufacture and assembly of components ofthe handset and the hinge to be conducted at separate locations and, forexample, by separate vendors.

Yet another issue of concern in hinge connections of portable devices isthe electrical interference that can be presented by a hinge. Flip-styledevices and other portable devices with hinge connections often make useof wireless communications. The springs used in hinges of portabledevices present electrical interference issues. This is especially truein the case where an antenna is included in or near the hinge assembly.In addition to springs used to generate spring force for a cam andfollower arrangement, many conventional hinges also include a number ofother metal parts.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a portable device hinge having anelastomer urging element that is used to supply the necessary force forcontrolled rotation of a main part and a flip part. Embodiments of theinvention include low part count hinges. Embodiments of the inventionalso include hinges that permit pass-through of wiring between a flippart and a main part. A handset of the invention includes a flip partand a main part with one or more hinges of the invention controllingrotation between the flip part and the main part. Preferred embodimenthandsets have wiring that passes though the can and the elastomer urgingelement of a hinge of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the FIG. 1 hinge;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an assembled schematic and partially transparent view of theFIG. 3 hinge;

FIGS. 5 and 6 show are perspective views of a handset handheld device inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment shaped urgingelement;

FIG. 8A is an exploded perspective view of a hinge in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8B is an assembled view of a hinge in accordance with FIG. 8A, andmodified to include an antenna in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns portable devices including a hinged connection.The invention includes hinges and devices including hinges, for example,flip-style handsets and personal digital assistants. Embodiments of theinvention include a hinge having an elastomer element to urge a camsurface and follower together. Related embodiments include a handsethaving a hinged connection including a hinge with an elastomer elementurging together a cam surface and follower. Another embodiment of theinvention includes a hinge for a portable device that includes a circuitpass through. In the circuit pass through, for example, flex wireconnections may be passed through the active elements of the hingewithout interfering with hinge operation and allowing the flex circuitelement to remain intact during operation of the hinge.

Other embodiments of the invention include a hinge lacking any metalparts. In a preferred embodiment hinge of the invention for a portabledevice, all of the hinge elements are formed from non-conductiveplastics and polymer materials. Other embodiments of the inventioninclude a hinge for a portable device that includes only four or fiveparts. In a preferred embodiment, four parts are a cam including a camsurface, a combined handheld device interface and cam follower, anurging element, and a cap.

The invention also concerns portable devices, such as handsets andpersonal digital assistants, including a hinged connection and havingwiring that passes directly through a hinge in the hinged connection. Inpreferred embodiments of the invention, a flex circuit connectionprovides a large number of data channels to connect electronics in aflip part and a main part. The number of communication channels providesthe ability to conduct complex communications and move additionalelectronics into the flip part of the portable device.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be discussed withreference to the figures. Artisans will appreciate that the figures arepresented schematically and are not necessarily to scale. The featuresmay be exaggerated for the purposes of illustration. The inventionincludes flip-style devices and other handsets including a hingedconnection. A hinge in an exemplary embodiment handheld device isaccommodated at a hinge location between a flip part and a main part ofthe handheld device. The handheld device includes an interface to thehinge. In some embodiments, the handheld devices include a flex circuitconnector that passes through a hinge in accordance with principles ofthe invention. An example flip-style device includes a main part havinga processor, memory, and/or RF circuitry. This connects to electronicsin the flip part. In the example embodiment, the flip part mayalternatively or additionally include RF circuitry, may include adisplay, may include a camera, may include memory, and may include logicunits and co-processing, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example embodiment hinge 10 is shownin an exploded perspective view. The hinge 10 includes four components.The four components are a can 12, a combined cam follower and handhelddevice interface 14, an urging element 16, and a cap 18. The urgingelement 16 is substantially solid and made of an elastomer material thatwill compress to urge the cam follower/device interface 14 against a camsurface 20 that is part of the internal structure of the can 12. Theurging element 16 compresses to permit normal cam follower/deviceinterface 14 axial movement during normal hinge operation, and alsopermits sufficient compression to facility the assembly of the hingeinto a phone body. The combined cam follower and handheld deviceinterface 14 includes a cam surface 22, and the profiles of the camsurface 20 and 22 along with any stops included therein define the angleof permissible rotation as well as the nature of the rotation providedby the hinge. Teeth 24 on the cap 18 lock into receptacles 26 defined inthe can 12. The teeth 24 may be dimensioned to extend radially beyondthe limit of the can 12 to fix the position of the can with one or theother of a main part and a flip part of a handheld device.

In the assembled position, an interlock structure 28 passes through anopening 30 in the can. (See also FIG. 2, which shows an assembled statefor the hinge of FIG. 1.) The interlock 28 interfaces with a hingedportion of a handheld device. In some embodiments, the teeth 24 and thecap 18 may also extend further outward and form a second interface witha different part of the hinged connection of a handheld device. The topsurface of the cap 18 will also positively engage a portion of the hingeinterface of a handheld device such that opposing force is provided tourge the follower 14 and cam surface 20 together. The urging element 16also is shaped to include engagement slots 32 that also accept the teeth24. In this manner, a circuit pass-through that comprises slots 34 and36 in the urging element 16 and the can 12 align when the hinge 10 isfully assembled and remain in alignment during operation. In thepreferred embodiment hinge 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the follower 14 andcombined handheld device interface is the only moveable part in thehinge, as the cap 18, urging element 16, and can 12 are held in a commonrotationally fixed position. In such embodiments, a flex circuitconnection 38, for example, remains completely stationary duringoperation of the hinge between open, closed, and partially opened andclosed positions. In other embodiments of the invention, movement of theurging element and/or can are permitted, while the relative rotationalposition of the urging element 16 in the can 12 are held constant tokeep the slots 34 and 36 aligned.

In another embodiment of the invention, the slots 34 and 36 are omitted.Artisans will appreciate that the very low part count provided by theexemplary embodiment hinge in FIG. 1 provides many advantages. The totalof four parts is extremely low. In other embodiments some additionalparts may be used, for example if a cam surface was provided in anelement that was separate from the internal structure of the can 12.

Additional embodiments of the invention include embodiments such as thehinge 10 and variations thereof, wherein all of the components of thehinge are formed from non-conductive materials. In embodiments of theinvention, the can 12, follower 14 and cap 18 are all formed from highstrength and rigid plastics, for example. The urging element is formedfrom an elastomer material, for example cast urethane elastomer. Othercomponents may be made, for example, from Delrin (Acetal), which has aninherent lubrication factor. Lubrication, such as might be used withother materials, may be a silicone based compound.

The example hinge 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 provides a two position open andclosed position hinge. The cam surface 22 and the follower 14 includesdistinct valleys 40 that define open and closed positions with acomplementary ridge on the cam surface 20 of the can 12. The profiles ofthe surfaces and the dimensions of the urging element relative to theother components provide the ability to engineer a particular feel andoperation into hinges of the invention. As the deformation of acompressable material such as an elastomer used for the urging elements16 is typically non-linear, finite element analysis and/or experimentalvariation and testing of the length and diameter of the urging element16 will aid implementation of particular open, close and feelcharacteristics.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 isan exploded schematic view and FIG. 4 is an assembled schematic andpartially transparent view. The FIGS. 3 and 4 embodiment are a five parthinge. The five parts are a can 42, a combined follower and deviceinterface 44, a cam 46, an urging element 48 and a cap 50. Interlockfeatures including a ridge 52 on the outer surface of the can 42, whichdefines on an opposite side a valley 53 that accepts and holds ridges 54and 56 on the cam 46 and urging element 48 to fix the relative positionsof the can 42, the cam 46, and the urging element 48. The ridge 52 alsoserves to hold the position of the can relative to one or another of amain part and a flip part of a handheld device (the other part beingrotationally fixed to the device interface 44). This serves to alignslots 58 and 60 in the can and urging element 48 in the fully assembledposition so that flex circuit 62 may pass through the hinge. The snapfit teeth 64 on the cap 50 lock into a cross slot 66 co-formed with theslot 58 of the can 42. The operations and materials chosen for the hingeof FIGS. 3 and 4 may be the same as for the FIGS. 1 and 2 hinge. Inaddition, the variations to include no metal parts or simply a low partcount by omission of the slots 58 and 48 define another embodiment ofthe invention. With the separate cam 46, the combined follower anddevice interface 44 does not need to move axially because its rotationcauses the axial movement of the cam 46. An axially stationary deviceinterface is advantageous. In addition, through holes 70 provide a routefor routing additional wires, for example.

FIG. 5 shows a handheld device, namely a wireless network flip-stylehandset 72, that incorporates the present hinge such as the hinge ofFIGS. 1 and 2 or the hinge of FIGS. 3 and 4. Preferably, a hinge is heldat one of opposite ends of a hinge enclosure portion 74 of a flip part76 along an axis 77. It may also be desirable to have a hinge 10 at bothends of the enclosure portion 74, with two hinges acting cooperativelyto control opening and closing of the flip part 76. The deviceinterfaces of the hinges, e.g., the interlock structure 28 or the deviceinterface 44 lock into a pair of hinge holding knuckles 78, 80 on a mainpart 82. The elastomer urging elements used in the present hinge permitenough compression to allow assembly, namely that the interlockstructure 28 or the device interface 44 may be pressed in toward the canto allow clearance of the knuckles. Once released, the interlockstructure 28 or the device interface extends into the knuckles 78, 80,which have an internal formation to hold the interlock structure or thedevice interface 44 from relative rotational movement with respect tothe knuckle or the main part 82. The can is similarly rotationally fixedwith respect to the enclosure portion 74 and its associated flip part.The amount of torsional force applied by the internal components of thehinge 10 may be designed according to the dimensions and weight of theflip part 76. FIG. 6 shows the handset 72 in a fully open position. Thehinge 10 is at the open angle limit and maintains the flip part 76 inthe fully open position. As has been mentioned, the cam and followerinterface and the urging element may be designed to provide various openand close stops, feel and operation.

In addition, the flip part 76 and main part 82 may be connected, forexample, by flex circuit, such as the flex circuit 62 that passesthrough a hinge of the invention, permitting, for example, the inclusionof sophisticated electronics and devices on both of the main part 82 andthe flip part 76 with a wide band communication interface between thetwo. While there will be many possible methods of assembly of a hinge orhinges of the invention with a wiring or flex circuit or other type ofwiring pass through, one method of assembly is to provide a slot in theflip part 76 to feed the wiring, e.g., flex circuit, could be fedthrough once the hinge(s) is installed in the flip part 76. Then, thewiring would be terminated and attached within the flip part 76. Next,the flip part 76 and hinge assembly would be attached to the main part82 by compressing the follower sufficiently to permit the deviceinterface 44 to clear one of the knuckles 78, 80 (depending upon whichside the hinge was being inserted). Finally, the flex would be connectedwithin the main part 82, which could then be closed up in conventionalfashion by connecting a cover.

In the above embodiments, the nature of the urging element 16 permitsparticular designs to provide a feel that alters the nature of theoperation of the hinge. In an example embodiment, the urging element 16is shaped similarly to a bellow to provide an additional measure ofcompressibility and, in some fashion, simulate the nature of a spring.As another example, an hourglass shape will provide a different feel aswell. The shape and dimensions may be optimized to meet particularrequirements for opening force and closing force, as well as for thesmoothness of operation and the assistance provided by the urgingelement to complete an opening or closing operation commenced by a userof a portable device.

One example embodiment shaped urging element is shown in FIG. 7. In FIG.7, an urging element 90 has a general accordion shape. The urgingelement will compress in defined fashion, with cut-outs 92, 94controlling the axial compression of the urging element, permittingbellow portions 98 of the urging element 90 to move closer together inresponse to axial force presented by a cam surface/follower arrangementas in any of the FIGS. 1-4 embodiments.

Another example embodiment hinge is shown in FIG. 8A. The hinge of FIG.8A is a variation of the FIG. 3 and 4 embodiment. The hinge in FIG. 8Aincludes a can 100, a combined follower and device interface 102, a cam104, an urging element 108, a cap 110, and a collar 112. The collar 112serves to inhibit buckling of the urging element 108. The collar 112will have a small range of axial movement in response to compression ofthe urging element caused by axial movement of the cam 104 in responseto follower rotation. An enlarged diameter portion 113 of the urgingelement creates a snug fit inside the cap 110 and also serves to inhibitbuckling. Interlock features including ridges 114 on the outer surfaceof the can 100, which defines on an opposite (internal) side a valleythat accepts and holds ridges 116 on the cam 104. The urging element 108may also have a ridge, though one is not shown in FIG. 8A, to fix therelative rotational position of the urging element 108 with respect tothe can 100, and such a ridge or other positioning feature should beused if the urging element 108 is modified to include a slot for awiring pass through as in FIGS. 3 and 4. Slots 118 are available on thecan 100, and may be sized and positioned outside the range of axialmovement of the collar 112 to avoid physical interference with wiringthat may optionally be used with slots in the urging element 108, as inFIGS. 3 and 4. The ridges 114 also serve to hold the position of the can100 relative to one or another of a main part and a flip part of ahandheld device (the other part being rotationally fixed to a deviceinterface 120 that extends through a hole 122 in the can when the hingeis assembled (see FIG. 8B)). Snap fit teeth 124 on the cap 110 lock intoa cross slot 126 co-formed with one of the slots 118 of the can 100. Thesnap fit teeth will fit snugly around the increased diameter portion 113when assembled, which inhibits buckling as discussed above. Theoperations and materials chosen for the hinge of FIG. 8A may be the sameas for the FIGS. 1-4 hinges.

FIG. 8B shows a modified embodiment antenna based upon the FIG. 8Aembodiment, and including an integrated antenna 130. The antenna 130 ismounted on an outer surface of the can 100. The antenna 130 is a patchstyle antenna consisting of a patch radiator of conductive material, butother types of antennas may also be used. The antenna 130 is fed throughspring contact fingers 132 when assembled into a handset, for example,including appropriately located antenna feed points. Advantageously, asthe hinge of FIG. 8B may be formed completely from non-conductivematerials, an antenna may be co-located with the hinge in a handset bodyas the hinge components do not provide interference with the radiationpattern of an antenna.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it should be understood that other modifications,substitutions and alternatives are apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art. Such modifications, substitutions and alternatives can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A hinge for a handheld device, the hinge comprising: a can; ahandheld device interface extending out through a hole in said can; anda cam surface; a follower that cooperates with said cam surface tocontrol rotation of the handheld device interface relative to the can;an urging element that urges said follower against said cam surface; anda cap to hold said urging element and said follower within said can;wherein each of said can, said follower and said urging element areformed solely from one or more non-conductive materials.
 2. The hinge ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more non-conductive materials comprise oneor both of plastics and polymer materials.
 3. The hinge of claim 1,wherein said urging element comprises a substantially solid elastomermaterial compressed in said can to urge said follower against said camsurface.
 4. The hinge of claim 3, wherein said urging element and saidcan are in a substantially fixed relative rotational position.
 5. Thehinge of claim 4, further comprising aligned slots providing a passagethrough said can and said urging element, the slots being dimensioned toaccommodate wiring.
 6. The hinge of claim 4, comprising interlock shapeson said urging element to engage with another part of the hinge and holdsaid urging element in the substantially fixed relative rotationalposition to said can.
 7. The hinge of claim 1, wherein said handhelddevice interface and said follower are formed as a single unitarycombined follower and handheld device interface part, said cam surfacecomprises an inner surface of said can; and the hinge consists of fourparts that are said single unitary combined follower and handheld deviceinterface part, said can, said cap and said urging element.
 8. The hingeof claim 7, further comprising: a ridge on said urging element; and avalley in said can for accepting said ridge to rotationally fix said canand said urging element relative to one another.
 9. The hinge of claim1, further comprising a cam that defines said cam surface, wherein saidhandheld device interface and said follower are formed as a singleunitary combined follower and handheld device interface part, and thehinge consists of five parts that are said single unitary combinedfollower and handheld device interface part, said cam, said can, saidcap and said urging element.
 10. The hinge of claim 8, furthercomprising: ridges on each of said urging element and said cam; and avalley in said can for accepting said ridges to rotationally fix saidcam, said urging element and said can relative to each of the others.11. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising means for fixing therotational position of said urging element relative to said can.
 12. Thehinge of claim 1, further comprising means for fixing the rotationalposition of said can relative to the handheld device.
 13. The hinge ofclaim 1, further comprising a through hole passing axially through saidcan, said urging element, said cap, said follower and said handhelddevice interface.
 14. A handset comprising: a hinge according to claim1; a flip part rotationally fixed with respect to one of said can orsaid device interface; and a main part rotationally fixed with respectto the other of said can or said device interface.
 15. The handset ofclaim 14, further comprising: a passage through said can and said urgingelement; and wiring through said passage, said wiring connectingcircuitry in said main part and said flip part.
 16. The hinge of claim1, further comprising a collar around a portion of said urging element.17. The hinge of claim 1, further comprising an antenna mounted on thehinge.
 18. The hinge of claim 17, wherein the antenna is mounted on anouter surface of said can, said antenna comprising contact means forcontacting an antenna feed point.
 19. A hinge for a handheld device, thehinge comprising: a can; a follower and cam surface axially aligned bysaid can; a handheld device interface extending beyond said can andhaving its rotational position defined by the rotational position ofsaid follower; and an elastomer urging element held within said can in acompressed state to urge said follower and said cam surface against eachother while permitting controlled relative rotational movement betweensaid follower and said cam surface and axial displacement of one or bothof said cam and said follower by additional compression of saidelastomer urging element to accommodate the controlled relativerotational movement.
 20. The hinge of claim 19, formed completely ofnon-conductive parts.
 21. The hinge of claim 19, lacking any metalparts.
 22. The hinge of claim 19, wherein said urging element and saidcan are in a substantially fixed relative rotational position.
 23. Thehinge of claim 22, further comprising aligned slots providing a passagethrough said can and said urging element, the slots being dimensioned toaccommodate wiring.
 24. The hinge of claim 19, comprising interlockshapes on said urging element to engage with another part of the hingeand hold said urging element in the substantially fixed relativerotational position to said can.
 25. The hinge of claim 19, wherein saidhandheld device interface and said follower are formed as a singleunitary combined follower and handheld device interface part, said camsurface comprises an inner surface of said can; and the hinge consistsof four parts that are said single unitary combined follower andhandheld device interface part, said can, said urging element, and a capthat closes said can.
 26. The hinge of claim 19, further comprising acam that defines said cam surface, wherein said handheld deviceinterface and said follower are formed as a single unitary combinedfollower and handheld device interface part, and the hinge consists offive parts that are said single unitary combined follower and handhelddevice interface part, said cam, said can, said urging element, and acap that closes said can.
 27. A handset comprising: a hinge according toclaim 19; a flip part rotationally fixed with respect to one of said canor said device interface; and a main part rotationally fixed withrespect to the other of said can or said device interface.
 28. Thehandset of claim 19, further comprising: a passage through said can andsaid urging element; and wiring through said passage, said wiringconnecting circuitry in said main part and said flip part.
 29. The hingeof claim 19, further comprising a collar around a portion of said urgingelement.
 30. The hinge of claim 19, further comprising an antennamounted on the hinge.
 31. The hinge of claim 30, wherein the antenna ismounted on an outer surface of said can, said antenna comprising contactmeans for contacting an antenna feed point.